Louisville, KY – Austin Peay State University men’s golf team is tied for fifth at Louisville’s Cardinal Collegiate, after first-round action, Monday.

Overnight and early morning rain turned the event into a 36-hole tournament, forcing opening-round play to be suspended until the afternoon. The 18 teams will finish the tournament with an 18-hole final round, Tuesday.

APSU Golf. (Courtesy: Austin Peay Sports Information)

Getting off to a good start became increasingly important when the tournament was shortened and the Govs have themselves in the top third of the field after 18 holes. Arkansas-Little Rock got a pair of under-par rounds and leads the way with a team 283, followed by Northern Illinois (287), DePaul (290) and host Louisville (292). Austin Peay’s 294 is tied with Bowling Green, Wisconsin and Dayton.

“We are so much better than how what the scores show,” head coach Kirk Kayden said. “We were four-under with six holes left, but on a course like this all the tough holes are the end. We have to finish stronger, but we’re getting better. Things changed when they shortened it to 36 holes, but there’s not much you can do about the weather.”

Sophomore Anthony Bradley positioned himself for another strong tournament, leading the Govs with a two-under par 70, in eighth-place. Sophomore Trey Tarpley is only three strokes behind him with a 73, but sits t-22nd. Junior Dustin Korte’s 75 has him t-44th, while sophomore Marco Iten shot a 76 and senior Drew Miller shot 79.

“Anthony has a sound game right now and he’s playing very determined,” Kayden said. “You have to be shot-maker on this course and that’s what he’s doing. His putting is really improved and that’s playing a big part too. Marco and Dustin were right there, but made some mistakes down the stretch. You’ve got to finish.”